1.1. A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

I. A Home Inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.

II. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

1.2. A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

1.3. An Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

2. Standards of Practice

2.1. Roof

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

A. The roof covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Walk on any roof surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.

C. And report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter.

D. A representative number of windows.
E. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure.
F. And describe the exterior wall covering.

A. The basement.
B. The foundation
C. The crawlspace.
D. The visible structural components.
E. And report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector.

F. And report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
B. Move stored items or debris.
C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.

2.4. Heating

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The heating systems using normal operating controls and describe the energy source and heating method.
B. And report as in need of repair heating systems which do not operate.
C. And report if the heating systems are deemed inaccessible

A. Verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
B. Inspect the water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.
C. Flush toilets.
D. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.
E. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets.
F. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.
G. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.
H. Inspect the drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats.
I. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.
J. Inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.
K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.
L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets.
M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.
N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Light or ignite pilot flames.
B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-of valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems or fire sprinkler systems.
D. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of the water supply.
E. Determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.
F. Open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
H. Operate any main, branch or fixture valve.

I. Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. Evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
K. Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
L. Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
M. Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
N. Inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component of.
O. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
P. Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.

Q. Evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.

T. Examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar water heating, hot water circulation.

U. Determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.

2.7. Electrical

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The service drop/lateral.
B. The meter socket enclosures.
C. The means for disconnecting the service main.
D. And determine the rating of the service amperage.
E. Panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses).
F. The service grounding and bonding.
H. A representative number of switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, AFCI receptacles.

I. And test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCI's during the inspection using a GFCI tester.

J. And report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.
K. And report on any tested GFCI-tested receptacles in which power was not present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall. L. The service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor insulation.
M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.
N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.
O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.

A. The fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.
B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.
C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including clearance from combustible materials

A. The insulation in unfinished spaces.
B. The ventilation of attic spaces.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.
D. And report on the general absence or lack of insulation.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. To move, touch, or disturb insulation.
C. To move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.
E. Identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation material.
F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.

H. Determine the adequacy of ventilation.

2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior

I. The inspector shall:

A. Open and close a representative number of doors and windows.
B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.

C. And report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, and railings that permits the passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter.
D. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and then by the installed automatic door control.
E. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.
F. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.
G. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

3.1. Limitations:

I. An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
II. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
IV. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
V. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.

VI. An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.
VI. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
VIII. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.
IX. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
X. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer dwelling units.

3.2. Exclusions:

I. The inspectors are not required to determine:

A. Property boundary lines or encroachments.
B. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. The size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system.
E. The cause or reason of any condition.
F. The cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. Future conditions.
H. Compliance with codes or regulations.
I. The presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. The presence of air-borne hazards.
L. The presence of birds.
M. The presence of other flora or fauna.
N. The air quality.
O. The existence of asbestos.
P. The existence of environmental hazards.
Q. The existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. The presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.
S. Any hazardous waste conditions.
T. Any manufacturer's recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation or any information included for consumer protection purposes.
U. Operating costs of systems.
V. Replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. The acoustical properties of any systems.
X. Estimates of the cost to operating any given system.

II. The inspectors are not required to operate:

A. Any system that is shut down.
B. Any system that does not function properly.
C. Or evaluate low voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to:
1. Phone lines.
2. Cable lines.
3. Antennae.
4. Lights.
5. Remote controls.
D. Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E. Any shut off valves or manual stop valves.
F. Any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices.
G. Any alarm systems.
H. Moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.

III. The inspectors are not required to:

A. Move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:

B. Dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.
C. Enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, be unsafe.
D. Enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
E. Inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively used.
F. Do anything which, in the inspector's opinion, is likely to be unsafe or dangerous to the inspector or others or damage property, such as, but not limited to, walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces or negotiating with pets.
G. Inspect decorative items.
H. Inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I. Inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled, security devices or lawn irrigation systems.
J. Offer guarantees or warranties.
K. Offer or perform any engineering services.
L. Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home inspection.
M. Research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
N. Determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure or component of a building, or differentiate between original construction and subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
O. Determine the insurability of a property.

P. Perform or offer Phase 1 environmental audits.

Q. Inspect on any system or component which is not included in these standards.

4. Glossary of Terms

4.1. Accessible: Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.

4.2. Activate: To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical breakers or fuses.

4.3. Adversely Affect: To constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.

4.5. Appliance: A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.

4.6. Architectural Service: Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within and surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of the construction contract.

4.7. Component: A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.

4.8. Condition: The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.

4.9. Crawlspace: The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.

4.10. Decorative: Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems and components of a home.

4.11. Describe: To report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.

4.12. Determine: To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.

4.13. Dismantle: To open, take apart or remove any component, device or piece that would not typically be opened, taken apart or removed by an ordinary occupant.

4.14. Engineering Service: Any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such professional service or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works or processes.

4.15. Enter: To go into an area to observe visible components.

4.16. Evaluate: To assess the systems, structures or components of a dwelling.

4.17. Examine: To visually look. See Inspect.

4.18. Foundation: The base upon which the structure or wall rests; usually masonry, concrete, or stone, and generally partially underground.

4.19. Function: The action for which an item, component, or system is specially fitted or used or for which an item, component or system exists; to be in action or perform a task.

4.20. Functional: Performing, or able to perform, a function.

4.21. Home Inspection: The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems and components of a home and operates those systems and components utilizing these Standards of Practice as a guideline.

4.22. Household Appliances: Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.

4.23. Inspect: To visually look at readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls and accessing readily accessible panels and areas in accordance with these Standards of Practice.

4.24. Inspected Property: The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items, components, and systems included in the inspection.

4.25. Inspector: One who performs a real estate inspection.

4.26. Installed: Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tool for removal.

4.27. Material Defect: A condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

4.28. Normal Operating Controls: Devices such as thermostats that would be operated by ordinary occupants which require no specialized skill or knowledge.

4.29. Observe: To see through visually directed attention.

4.30. Operate: To cause systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.

4.31. Readily Accessible: An item or component is readily accessible if, in the judgment of the inspector, it is capable of being safely observed without the removal of obstacles, detachment or disengagement of connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe or difficult procedures to gain access.

4.38. System: An assembly of various components which function as a whole.

4.39. Technically Exhaustive: A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home inspection which would involve or include, but would not be limited to: dismantling, specialized knowledge or training, special equipment, measurements, calculations, testing, research, analysis or other means.

4.40. Unsafe: A condition in a system or component which is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or a change in accepted residential construction standards.